““We are each a drop. Enough drops fill a bucket. That’s what it takes to make a city.””
Community Democracy Program
We believe that communities should be the drivers of decisions that impact their air, water, and the places where they live work and play.
In many towns in the Ohio River Valley, low-income communities, communities of color, and LGBTQ+ communities are unfairly exposed to poor air and water quality, unhealthy living conditions, and harmful land use, just because of their zip code. The historic and current decisions that have created environmental injustices have led to higher rates of asthma, heart disease, cancers, mental health challenges, and lead poisoning. Take a look to see how your community is doing: EPA Environmental Justice Mapping Tool.
Fair Shake’s Community Democracy Program supports Environmental Justice communities in the Ohio River Valley feel healthy, happy, and connected to their community because they have meaningful involvement in decisions that impact the places they live, work, and play.
What We Do:
community education + workshops
In-person and virtual events + workshops for youth and adults to be involved in decisions about the things they care about.
We want our outreach and education to meet your group’s interests and needs, so will work with you to make sure the content is relevant and personal to your group. All of our workshops are interactive, flexible, can be adapted for youth and adults, ‘translate’ complex topics into more understandable language, and strive to create a safe space for inclusion and great conversation.
Click here for more information on our workshops and what to expect!
Previous topics include:
Dreams for my Community
Healthy Water
Sharing my Story
Who’s got the Power?
Power Play: an Environmental Justice Game
Public Participation + Commenting
Levers for Change
Lead + Housing Rights
PFAS + Forever Chemicals
Self-Care for Activists
Community Benefits
Waterway Access
Environmental Permitting
... and Community-Specific Environmental Justice Issues.
Game night!
Ready to have some fun? We have three games to help groups learn and think about environmental justice:
“Power Play: An Environmental Justice Game”: This Fair Shake-developed game helps high-school-aged students through adults understand how environmental decisions are made, and gives groups the chance to decide what community, government, or legal activities should happen to help - or hurt - a development’s chances of moving forward.
Community Benefits Cards: starts conversations about a community vision, strengths, needs, and provides education about community benefits.
Lead Safety Matching Game: is an interactive way to learn about lead in water and paint, and how you can keep yourself safe.
SUPPORT, RESOURCES & technical assistance
Support, resources, and technical assistance for community members and decision makers.
Looking for Support?
Let us know how we can help.
